Beardsley's Wife sentenced in connection with drug trafficking case...
A city woman married to convicted local drug-dealer has been sentenced to probation and community service for helping her husband with his illegal drug trafficking activities. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Thursday that 38 year-old Stacey Beardsley... also known as Stacey Peterson... received two-years probation, and, 50 hours of community service. Prosecutors say that between late 2018, and March 2020... Beardsley’s husband, Rocco Beardsley... was involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy. He's accused of purchasing and distributing large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. They say Stacey Beardsley knew of these drug trafficking activities, financially benefited from them, and actively concealed and assisted with them. Following an arrest in May of 2019... Rocco called his wife from jail... and, asked her to go to Erie, Pa. to get his "stuff..." which included drugs. However... prosecutors say she failed to notify any authority about the request, and instead drove to Erie to pick up the "stuff." On her return trip... she was stopped by police and they found quantities of meth and heroin. In January 2020... two undercover drug buys from Rocco Beardsley took place at the home he shared with Stacey Beardsley... and, she failed to notify authorities about it. He was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Another member of Beardsley drug ring pleads guilty in Federal drug case...
A Jamestown man has pleaded guilty in federal court for his part in selling large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphertamine... and, trying to cover-up what happened in one overdose death. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Wednesday that 51 year-old Curtis Snyder entered the guilty plea in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Prosecutors say Snyder was an associate and co-conspirator of drug ring-leader Rocco Beardsley. In April of 2019... a person identified as J.A. was found dead from an apparent overdose at a Jamestown home... and, Beardsley was believed to be involved in the overdose. About a month after the death... Beardsley sent Snyder to another individual's home to force that person to make a video regarding Beardsley’s lack of involvement with J.A.’s overdose death. In exchange... Snyder would receive a “bundle” of heroin/fentanyl. He faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of $1-million.
Langworthy announces $4.75-million in funding for "Living Shoreline" project in Dunkirk...
It was an easy decision to support construction of a new, "living shoreline" project for Dunkirk Harbor to better protect the shoreline and important infrastructure in the north county city. That from Local Congressman Nick Langworthy... who says he enjoyed spending part of many summers along the Dunkirk waterfront. Langworthy says he feels it's important for the new, smaller breakwaters to help preserve the shoreline for generations to come. He says they will be used to firm up the shoreline to withstand the sometimes fierce Winter storms on Lake Erie. Langworthy Thursday announced that he's secured $4.75-million in the 2025 federal budget... for the project. He says this "critical investment" is in the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill... passed by the House of Represenatives last June... and, will be used to create off-shore breakwaters using sand, rocks and plants to secure the shoreline.
NYSBBA Board President talks potential cellphone ban, other state issues...
The New York State School Board's Association would like to have local control maintained in deciding whether to ban cellphones in the classroom. That the association's Board President, Sandy Ruffo of Binghampton, as the controversial topic continues to be debated. Ruffo says a March survey of school leaders showed that cellphone use is one of the major issues currently. She says Governor Kathy Hochul supports a ban... but, is conducting a "listening tour" to see what people want. Ruffo adds some are looking at other alternatives... including locked "Yonder" bags that can be used to lock away phones until the end of the day. They're also looking at having students put them in their lockers... but, adds that's hard to enforce. Some though... have taken the position that schools should help teach responsible cellphone use. She says no legislation has been proposed, nor approved yet in the state.
Pair from Jamestown now jailed without bail following drug investigation, and one suspect barricading himself in home...
Two people from Jamestown have been jailed without bail following a several hour stand-off with police... at the same home where an alleged shooting took place two weeks ago. City police also say that the woman arrested -- 29 year-old Kylah Seiberg -- had to be treated for an illness after coming in contact with 7-grams of Fentanyl when she was brought to the city jail. She faces new charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, tampering with physical evidence. Police say they were called to 84 Victoria Ave. shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday for a "burglary-in progress" with two unknown people inside an apartment. When the shooting occured on Aug. 17... police say they raided the home after the victim was taken to the hospital. They found nearly 112-grams of methamphetamine, 23.3-grams of powder cocaine... 9.4-grams of crack cocaine... 66.5 grams of fentanyl... and, a 9-mm pistol. Officers say Seiberg, and 38 year-old Jensen Vazquez... fled the scene. Police learned that both had returned to the residence Tuesday... and, they arrested Seiberg quickly. However... Vazquez refused to come out... and, he had reportedly armed himself with a gun. He barricaded himself inside... but, the JPD SWAT Team and other agencies were able to use smoke bombs and later found him hiding in the attic.
